‘Careless act of violence.’ 7 wounded in Lakewood park shooting. No arrests yet
An afternoon at Harry Todd Park was almost the perfect way to spend one of the first warmer days in Lakewood. The park, which lies on the shore of American Lake, is a hot spot during the summer for people to gather.
Just before 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday, as crowds were enjoying the afternoon sun, gunshots broke out.
Detectives say two groups of people might have been in a dispute that escalated to violence. Seven people were injured, with bullets striking those who were not involved with the groups.
“The scene was quite hectic as a large number of these people were attempting to flee the park after hearing the shots,” Lakewood Police Department spokesperson Sgt Charles Porche told The News Tribune via email.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel provided medical aid to five of the victims, Porche said. They were then taken to a local hospital with three people in critical condition. Officers learned two other victims took themselves to a hospital.
Police said Thursday afternoon that a 38-year-old man was in critical condition. Two people were in serious condition — a 19-year-old man and 38-year-old woman, according to a news release.
Four people were in stable condition: a man, 18, two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl.
“It was not determined what spurred the shooting, how many people may have been shooting, or the identities of any potential suspects,” Porche said.
Police described the shooting as a “careless act of violence.”
“Detectives are receiving numerous tips, which we are grateful for and thank the community for reaching out,” the release said. “At this time, detectives are working through this tip information and evidence from the scene to help determine who was involved and what led to this incident.”
As of Friday afternoon, no arrests have been made.
More crimes during warm weather
Generally, an influx of people at the parks in Lakewood leads to more violent crime in the warmer months, Porche said.
“At times this includes alcohol and other summertime behaviors which can lead to an increase in criminal activity,” he said.
Porche said there is generally an incident of note each summer.
Due to the likelihood of increased crime in the summer, Porche said, for the past few years the Police Department has instituted additional park patrols. Internal discussions had already been underway for a start date this year.
‘Senseless act of violence’
Mayor Jason Whalen and the Lakewood City Council said in a statement Thursday afternoon that they were “saddened to learn of the senseless act of violence that unfolded Wednesday night” in their city.
“The reckless actions of those involved in this incident are not reflective of our community,” the statement said. “We are a suburban, residential city with parks, lakes and open spaces that people of all ages can enjoy. Those who visit our parks and enjoy our public lakes have a right to do so without fear for their safety.”
The mayor and City Council thanked police officers and medics who responded Wednesday and said Lakewood detectives continue their investigation. The shooting was associated with two people whose “careless and destructive actions” injured innocent people, and the mayor and City Council trust that “officers will do their best to identify and arrest all who were involved,” the statement said.
“As a City Council, we have always prioritized public safety,” the statement continued. “We will work with Police Chief Patrick D. Smith to determine if increased security measures during busy days at our parks is something we can implement to make sure residents and visitors continue to feel safe in our city.
“We send our sympathies and well wishes to the victims. Not only those at the hospital, but to those who were at the park or nearby and witnessed what happened. Our hearts are with them as they recover.”
Reporter Julia Park contributed to this story.
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 7:58 AM.
